Match Preview: Minnesota United vs. FC Edmonton

NASL Spring Champion Minnesota United FC, who already secured its berth into ‘The Championship,’ will aim to extend its current eight-game unbeaten streak when it hosts FC Edmonton at NSC Stadium. United, who is also the only remaining unbeaten team in the NASL Fall Season, has not lost in its last seven home encounters after posting a 2-1 victory over visiting Ottawa Fury FC last week. Meanwhile, Eddies, who are playing their second game in four days, are coming off a scoreless draw on the road against New York Cosmos on Wednesday. Edmonton also has yet to win in its last seven visits to Minnesota, including the most recent one this past Spring where penalty kick goal from forward Simone Bracalello gave the host a 1-0 victory at NSC Stadium on April 26.

“Edmonton has always been a physical, strong, solid team. I think defensively they’ve been one of the best teams in the league over the last couple of years. We know they’re going to be organized, we know they’re going to present a lot of good discipline to their game, so it’s important for us to be ready to be sharp and play well on both sides of the ball.” – United coach Manny Lagos

“We are heading into a really difficult venue against top quality opposition. Manny and his staff have done a terrific job with the team, and we will have to be at our best on Saturday. The team is really excited, they know that they put in a good shift on Wednesday night and are looking forward to playing the Spring Champions this weekend.” – FC Edmonton coach Colin Miller

Referee: Mathieu Bourdeau

Asst 1: Ismir Pekmic

Asst 2: Amber O'Connor

4th: Kyle Burkhardt

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Minnesota United FC 3 FC Edmonton 2

PublishedAug 10 2014, 01:55 AM

By
storres nasl

Two goals by midfielder Daniel Mendes and another from forward Christian Ramirez led Minnesota United FC to a 3-2 victory over visiting FC Edmonton at NSC Stadium on Saturday evening.

Two goals by midfielder Daniel Mendes and another from forward Christian Ramirez led Minnesota United FC to a 3-2 victory over visiting FC Edmonton at NSC Stadium on Saturday evening.

A quick goal by FC Edmonton caught many fans off guard in the first half, as it came against the early run of play. In an attempt to switch the field, United defender Justin Davis played a ball across the pitch to teammate Tiago Calvano. The ball curved too much for the United defender and went straight to FC Edmonton's Lance Laing. Laing cut inside, beating Calvano and goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt with calm shot to give the visitors the lead in just the 3rd minute of action.

Minnesota finally broke through after several dangerous chances from set pieces failed to beat Eddies keeper John Smits. A corner kick was deflected to the top of the box, straight to United midfielder Jamie Watson. Watson put a shot on goal but an Edmonton defender's arm denied him and the referee immediately pointed for the penalty spot. League-leading scorer Christian Ramirez stepped up for the Loons to take the penalty in the 15th minute. Ramirez slotted the ball in the bottom right corner past the outstretched arms of Smits to level the match at 1-1.

Minnesota turned the tables on the Eddies with their own early goal in the second half. Justin Davis ran the ball down the left sideline, blasting a low cross inside the keeper's box. Daniel Mendes was sprinting across the box and tapped the ball in-stride with the outside of his boot past Smits to give Minnesota its first lead of the match.

Mendes doubled his tally 11 minutes later after a goal line stop by Hildebrandt distracted the Eddies' defense. A confusing exchange in the box forced the Minnesota keeper to pull the ball off the goal line. Edmonton appealed for the goal and United took advantage of the confusion. Miguel Ibarra laid the ball off to Mendes, who curled a shot into the top left corner of the goal and put United up 3-1.

However, the comfortable lead would not last long, as a mistimed tackle changed the flow of the match in the 78th minute. Miscommunication by the United defense gave Eddies striker Frank Jonke a breakaway on goal. Mitch Hildebrandt raced out to top the striker but Jonke touched the ball around the keeper, with Hildebrandt taking out the legs of Jonke. The referee ran in pointing for a penalty and gave Hildebrandt a straight red card.

As Hildebrandt left the field, midfielder Jamie Watson was subbed off to bring in backup keeper Matt VanOekel to try to stop the penalty. Former Minnesota player Neil Hlavaty took the kick for Edmonton, and beat his former teammate and cut Minnesota's lead in half at 3-2.

United was on its heels for much or the remainder of the match, but a strong defensive effort and determination of the Loons allowed them to hold on for the victory. 5,112 fans were in attendance to watch Minnesota extend its unbeaten streak to nine games, going back to May of this year. Minnesota Head Coach Manny Lagos was pleased with the result.

"There were some great moments in the second half with some great goals to see the game out," said Lagos. "I was proud how we changed the way we started the second half compared to the first. I think that was the difference in the game."